Ronald Albert Lucas was born in Coleraine, County Derry, Northern Ireland on June 1, 1942 to Albert Dunlop Lucas and Leonora Treadgold Lucas.  As a  young man, he was a first class radio officer in the British Merchant Marines who obtained his certification from the Queen.  His occupation took him all over the world and he loved traveling and exploring new cultures.  He also bravely searched  for oil and gas in the Middle East and Alaska…. sometimes spending days alone and having food helicoptered in.  Once he moved to NYC, he worked for Western Union where he was solely responsible for the security of the Federal Reserve’s financial transactions, in addition to many other duties.  After that, Ronald was a proud, long-term employee of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.  He was an electrician who also specialized in electronic maintenance.  He also owned several Irish bars in NYC.  

He is survived by his loving life partner, Vicky Besserer. He was a loving father to Ronald Daniel Lucas, Erin Noelle Lucas, and Erika Mariel Lucas.  He was a proud grandfather to Noelle.  He is also survived by his ex-wife Nell Lucas, and loving brother, Frank Lucas.  

Ronald was the quintessential outdoorsmen… he loved hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, camping, and exploring the world and nature.  He was enterprising, adventurous, hardworking, loyal and loving.  He was a free-spirit, independent thinker, animal lover and environmentalist.  He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians where he had fond memories and friendships. Ronald will be greatly missed and loved by his family and friends.  

A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack.

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Kathleen “Kathy” Gershon, wife of the late Theodore “Ted” Gershon, mother of three, and grandmother of seven, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the age of 75, surrounded by her children in the home where she raised them.

Born in Jersey City, NJ in 1948, Kathy was the eldest of five children with a large and loving circle of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and neighbors.  Her family later moved to Northvale, NJ, where her father was the Mayor and held other political offices.  In Northvale, Kathy attended Nathan Hale School and later Northern Valley Regional High School, where she made friends she kept until the last days of her life.  A “Chatty Kathy” who was also an interested and thoughtful listener, Kathy made lasting friends wherever she went.

At Jersey City State College, where she trained as a teacher, Kathy met Ted, a fellow educator who shared her knowledge of politics, commitment to justice, and love of family.  Ted may have been the only person in New Jersey who could match her gift for storytelling.

Kathy and Ted married in August of 1969 and went on to have three boys, Brian, Michael, and Jason. Kathy took on parenting with a characteristic mix of enthusiasm, fierceness and love. She was deeply involved in her sons’ schools and in every other aspect of their lives. 

Kathy was also an adoring and hands-on Grammy. She had a knack for soothing a fussy baby and was just as captivating to toddlers. As her grandsons grew, she marveled at their accomplishments and shared with them her love of food and drink, the beach and the ocean, and traveling. Kathy and Ted were fixtures on the sidelines and in the stands, cheering on the next generation in all their endeavors. 

Kathy and Ted had a grand romance, loving nothing more than spending time with one another, playfully arguing over who had the “talking stick.” They traveled far and wide together, both for Ted’s work and for pleasure, and they enjoyed spending time with their families and with their large and diverse circle of friends. Kathy and Ted were often found in their backyard or kitchen table, surrounded by family. Kathy was a great home cook and consummate hostess, making everyone feel welcome and cared for. Every Thanksgiving at Kathy and Ted’s was a feast for the ages.

Kathy volunteered for numerous charities and causes over the years, including the Hyacinth Foundation, where she supported people with AIDS in her community. Kathy and Ted were both active in the Democratic Party, attending several presidential conventions. Kathy was a longtime member of St. David the King Catholic Church in West Windsor, NJ.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother and father, James and Gladys McGuire, her sister Noreen McGuire Prettyman, and her brothers-in-law E. Barrett Prettyman and Louis Sheffler. She is survived by two sisters and one brother, Nancy Sheffler of New York, NY, Louise (Thomas) Quinn of Sparta, NJ, and James (Stephen Coy) McGuire, Jr. of Provincetown, MA; three children, Brian (Carol) Gershon of Medford, NJ, Michael (Kate Greenwood) Gershon of Kensington, MD, and Jason (Tiffany) Gershon of Essex, VT; seven grandsons; two nephews; and two nieces.

Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home in Northvale, NJ. A funeral service will be held at noon at Saint Anthony Roman Catholic Church, Northvale, NJ, with burial to follow at Tappan Cemetery, Tappan, NY.

Donations in her memory may be made to:

West Windsor Volunteer Fire Co #1, 153 South Mill Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550

Mercer Street Friends, 151 Mercer Street, Trenton, NJ 08611 (www.mercerstreetfriends.org)

George Thomas Ross of Northvale, NJ died peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 63 years young. He was the beloved and devoted husband of 27 years to Jill Ross (nee Saydah). Loving brother of Mark Ross (wife Monica Sehr Ross) of Northvale, NJ , Donald Ross (wife Christine D’Arecca Ross) of Westfield, NJ and Thomas Ross (wife Jeannie Wesel Ross) of Closter, NJ.  Loving son-in-law to Joyce Saydah and brother-in-law to Gerard (wife Judy), JoAnne Saydah and Jennifer Saydah.  Cherished uncle of Samantha, Bradland and wife Emma, Thomas, Brianna, Dylan, Julia, Catherine, Colin & Claire Ross, Erika & Rob DeMarzo and Michelle, Mary, James, Theo and Dani Saydah

George, along with his twin brother Mark, owned and operated Ross Brothers Landscaping and Excavation for 37 years. He was hardworking and dedicated and will be missed by all who worked with him and especially by his poker and golf friends.  He kept his humor until the end and his smile will be missed by all who knew him.

Visiting hours are Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale with a service to be held at 12 PM. Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or other organization for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

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Frank J. Valdinoto, 95, of Brooklyn, NY, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Beloved husband of the lateAntoinette (nee Prince). Loving father of Angela Caserta and her husband Gregg and Frank Jr. and his wife Marissa. Proud grandfather of Gregg and wife Erin, Chris, Francis and Noelle. Dear cousin of Frank Valdinoto.

A pharmacist in Brooklyn for thirty five years, Frank was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He loved his work and taking care of the people in his community. A proud Sicilian-American in a neighborhood with many Sicilian immigrants, he was a doctor, adviser, and friend, able to communicate eloquently in the local dialect. For a family member or friend who needed sage advice or a comforting word, the “Professor”was always available. He gave of himself willingly and happily. Time spent with family and friends, sharing a meal, a glass of wine, laughter gave him great joy. A problem solver by nature, he was always up for a good crossword or Sudoku puzzle. A card sharp, few could beat him in a game of gin rummy or pinochle. To those who were fortunate enough to know him, he will be truly missed and always remembered. The Valdinoto family would like to thank the Arbor Terrace staff for providing Frank with excellent care.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 12:30 PM at St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Frank’s memory to The National Italian American Foundation.

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Ann DeQuattro (nee Bongiorno), 93, of Sparkill, NY for over 40 years, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Carmelo “Nino” DeQuattro. Adored mother of George DeQuattro and his wife Ann Marie and Joann Kretschmer and her husband Raymond. Proud grandmother of Stefanie Sachs and husband William, Michael DeQuattro and wife Nicole, Matthew Kretschmer and wife Katie and Nicole O’Brien and husband Patrick and great-grandmother of Colin, Adrianna, Sarina, Cora, Owen, Caroline and Nora. Dear sister of the late Joseph Bongiorno and aunt of many loving nieces and nephews.

Ann was a clerk for Pepsi-Cola in Purchase, NY for 25 years. She was a member of the Romanesque Lodge 2198, Blauvelt, the Nanuet and Northvale Senior Centers and was a parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church.

Visiting hours are Friday, February 16, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories, Washington Township, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

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John Chow, 73, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024. Beloved husband of Joann  Lee. Loving father of David Chow and his wife Tina and proud grandfather of Benji, Brendan and Josie. Dear brother of Debora Chiu and her husband Thomas Gallagher.

John was a news cameraman at WABC TV for 28 years. His work took him around the world, shooting specials with Bill Beutel, Roger Grimsby, and the Eyewitness News Team.  He was among the first news cameramen on site during 9-11, and shot much of the ABC news footage of the World Trade Center collapse. He loved photography and especially enjoyed capturing the excitement of Fantasy Fest in Key West each October.

Visiting hours are Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 4-7 pm with family memories and a prayer to be shared at 5:30 pm.  A service will be held at Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover, NJ on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:30 am with internment to follow.

Check Donations can be made to “Arcola Covenant Community” – in Memory of John Chow:

ACC Finance Committee (Attn: Yvette Lee), 52 S Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652

Venmo @ACCNJ or Zelle to finance@arcolacovenant.org

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Muriel M. Straub (nee Meyer), 108 years old, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband Arthur, son John, grandson John Martin, daughter-in-law Jacqueline and longtime companion Thomas Kiely. She was the loving mother of Arthur Straub, Jr. and his wife Charlene and Stanley Straub. Adored grandmother of Suzanne (Jason), Kurt (Christy), Ashley (Jeff) and Julie (Andie). Cherished great-grandmother of Julia, Sophia, Wyatt, William, Jack, Hendrick and Madison. Also survived by loving family members Lillian and John Skoda as well as many other relatives and friends.

Muriel was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an Air Warden during WWII and was a life member of the Norwood Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was a school crossing guard in Norwood at the corner of Blanch Avenue and Summit Street for over 30 years and retired at age 97. She was also a longtime member of the Norwood Senior Center.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 11 AM with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwood EMS, PO Box 8, Norwood, NJ 07648.

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Carole Anne Gilligan (nee Bertolotti), 66, of Norwood, NJ, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Beloved wife of Thomas J. Gilligan and loving mother of Katherine Gilligan. Dearest sister of Joseph Bertolotti, Chris Bertolotti and his wife Pasqua Perrino and Susan Bertolotti.

Carole Anne was a switch board operator at Montammy Country Club for many years before becoming a teacher’s assistant at ECCS in Norwood. She was a devoted wife, mother and sister and loved her pets. She will be missed.

Funeral services will be private.

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Jayne Jennings (Morrison), 92 of Norwood, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, surrounded by her children. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 58 years, Jack Jennings.  She leaves behind a loving legacy in her children John, Mimi (Steve Benvenuti), Kerry (Dan Kelly), Paul, and Mark (Rosella) and grandchildren Isabel and Garret Benvenuti, Jacklyn, Brayden, and Pierce Kelly, as well as many nieces and nephews. Loving sister of Suzanne Reynolds and the late Gene Morrison and Mary Burns.

Born the third of four children to Howard and Charlotte Morrison in Wisconsin, Jayne’s journey took her to Connecticutat the age of 9 (and later New York City), where she, along with her two sisters, embarked on a 20-year musical career known as the Morrison Sisters. Managed by their talented mother, the sister singing group performed on the radio in Hartford, CT and appeared in clubs and theatres throughout New York. In the 1950’s, they traveled extensively through Europe and the Far East on USO Tours. Their harmonious voices echoed alongside well-known entertainers such as Martha Raye, Joey Lewis, Jimmy Durante and Bob Hope. During their career, they recorded numerous records on the Continental, Deed and Decca labels.

In 1960, Jayne’s life took a beautiful turn as she met and married Jack. They raised their family of five children in Norwood, NJ.  They were longtime members of Immaculate Conception Church and St. Anthony’s Church in Northvale and served as co-directors of the adult and youth choirs, sharing their love for music and faith with the community.  When her husband wanted to start a musical trio, Jayne learned to play the bass and joined the group, entertaining for years at weddings and other events. 

After raising her family, Jayne pursued her love of art, studying oil painting at the NY Academy of Art and the Art Students League in NYC.  She also studied at the Ridgewood Art Institute in Bergen County, where she later taught art classes and served on the Board of Trustees. Jayne’s talent as a painter was recognized and celebrated, as her works were exhibited in numerous national, museum, corporate, and one-woman shows. She continued her artistic journey into her retirement years in Cape May, NJ, teaching art classes at the Ocean City Arts Center in Ocean City, NJ.  Her paintings are displayed in private collections throughout the US, and she was also represented in several galleries in NJ and Delaware.

A celebration of Jayne’s remarkable life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project atwoundedwarriorproject.org.

Rosalie Stiglianese (nee Campanella), 93, of Closter, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Michael, grandson, Kenneth Major and son-in-law Kenneth Major. Cherished mother of Susan Major of Ramsey and Nancy Kalmus and her husband Robert of Port Washington, NY. Adored grandmother of Alexandra and husband Zachary, Sabrina, Kimberly and husband Ricky, Michael and Kristin and great-grandmother of Dominic. Dear sister of the late Bruno Campanella and Connie DeVito.

Rosalie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Before starting her family she was proud to have been the Executive Secretary for Arthur Godfrey on CBS in the 1950’s. Later in life she enjoyed solving puzzles and tending to her plants.

Visitation will be Monday, February 5, 2024 from 10 am – 11 am at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 am at the funeral home with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.

Those who wish may make donations in Rosalie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

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